Sylvie Lightner is no ordinary P.I. She specializes in cases involving the unusual, in a world where magic is real—and where death isn’t the worst thing that can happen to you.
But when an employee is murdered in front of her, Sylvie has had enough. After years of confounding the dark forces of the Magicus Mundi, she’s closing up shop—until a man claiming to be the God of Justice wants Sylvie to find his lost lover.
And he won’t take no for an answer.
It’s so awesome when you fall in love with a book. I’ve had a great couple of weeks in terms of finding new-to-me-authors who rocked my world. First, I read Diana Pharaoh Francis for the first time when she asked me to blurb her upcoming urban fantasy BITTER NIGHT. That book was freakin’ amazing. Sadly for you folks, you can’t get your hot little hands on it until the autumn.
But I finished one that you can read right now.
I understand that Lyn Benedict is not a debut author. She has written political fantasy as Lane Robins. I haven’t read those. A couple of weeks ago, I placed an order from Amazon; they’ve actually reduced their int’l shipping a bit, so I don’t mind so much, and the books were for the kids. Two books on dogs for the girl; a book on dinosaurs and a book on sea creatures for the boy. I am congenitally unable to place an order from a book vendor without getting something for myself, so I got Ms. Benedict’s SIN AND SHADOWS. I also ordered Victoria Dahl’s historical backlist, after being unable to find them in any bookstore I visited in Florida or California. Those books haven’t arrived yet. The kid books and the Benedict book came in the mail yesterday.
I started reading it late last night. It kept me up until 1am and I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore, but not for lack of interest in the book. Instead of working on proposals or partials today, I finished SIN AND SHADOWS, and holy crap is it good.
You know how some urban fantasy heroines talk about being badass, but it’s mostly a candy-coating of shellac toughness, and they’re really lipstick-applying, pleather-mini-wearing, tramp-stamp-having cocktail waitresses? Not so with Sylvie Lightner. She is totally a lean, mean bitch machine. I found it very refreshing.
The world-building is gorgeous, dark, and detailed. This is a shimmering black diamond of a book. Her supporting characters are intricate and intriguing, well-drawn, richly realized, and an exquisite blend of tough and tender. There are real relationships here with the requisite give and take. Ms. Benedict’s characters live and breathe, though their world is awful, fragile and fraught with peril.
Another point in the book’s favor? There were no vampires. Instead, the lore draws from old gods and Judaic legends: angels, demons, and sorcerers. This is my kind of urban fantasy. Like a strong margarita, it’s salty, bittersweet, and utterly refreshing.
When I love a book this much, you know it means free stuff for you. To get your copy, ask for it in comments. I’m giving away FOUR (4) of these, and I’ll wrap it up whenever I feel like it. That means you need to throw your name in the hat before my capricious nature gets the best of me.
I guess people don’t read comments or read other entries on my blog. As I said in comments: winners have been posted (they’re above this post). You can continue to comment but it won’t win you any books.
I love new book/author recs
Yes please! I just started summer break and could use a refreshing kick-ass heroine.
Sounds great. I would love to win a copy.
It does sound great. I would love to win a copy.
you sold me, Ann — sign me up!
I would love to have a copy of this book
Sold! (I’m easy) I wants! I love new author recs.
I’ve been hearing good things about this and really want to read it!
No vampires? I’d love a copy! *g*
Sounds like a “must read” – please pick me for a copy so I can squee too!
Pick me! Summer vacation is two weeks away and I need to build up a good pile of books to take with me.
Wow! That sounds awesome! I will have to add it to my TBR list!
I’d love a copy, please!
Lean, mean bitch machine? Count me in!
Oooooo, sounds good. Please enter me.
Me,me, me=)
(Seriously, I would love to win the book!)
Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net
I saw this book in the bookstore the other day and was debating on whether I should get it or not. I read so many great reviews on it and now I regret not buying it! It sounds fabulous. Please enter me. :)
You definitely need to read it.
This book sounds amazing! I’ve been meaning to pick it up from the bookstore.
I’d love to get a copy. I have a thing for angels and demons and justice. It makes me all giddy inside.
How is it I didn’t notice my website link was wrong until right after I clicked submit? Fixed it. Sorry.
Sounds great. Count me in!
Sounds like a good read. I’m always looking for new to me authors.
After reading some real duds lately, I would love to win a book that you enjoyed so much!
cldivineATyahooDOTcom
Sounds like a very interesting book, I’d love to read it.
Ohh I’m always on the look out for new authors. Please include me if you are willing to ship to New Zealand :)
Wow urban fantasy with no vampires! sounds refreshing! count me in please!
Pretty please….
Thanks for the heads up, Ann, I love finding new authors of urban fantasy stories. BTW, totally awesome excerpt at the Penguin web site. Really like Lyn’s writing style and would love to read this story.
Her writing is excellent, very expert.
This sounds awesome! I love finding a new take on urban fantasy!
I have seen the books but I have not picked it up yet…I would love to give it a try.
Love to get it, Ann. I came across this book recently and added it to my wishlist after reading more about it, so great to hear how much you liked it. Always looking for new authors to try.
You guys so want this book.
Oh oh oh. Me please. I love the storyline and really want to read it.
Ok so no vampires, but does the main character get beaten to smithereens.
I am so tired of the heroine coming out on the short end.
Hi Ann~
I was just looking at this the other day and thinking that it sounded very good. I love to hear your thoughts on new authors. I would love to be entered.
This sounds great….I am going to have to look for it! Thanks for the recommendation!
Yes please :D You have eh best taste and I know I would enjoy it
I’m always looking for new authors and reads!
Sounds good.
You make this book sound so good I need to find out more. Googling soon.
I would love a copy of this book – please put my name in running!
Can I have a copy? Pretty please? :)
From your enthusiasm for this book, I can’t help but want to read it too! I have a thing for kiss-ass heroine, they are the best to read about it. I love it when you find an author that can keep you reading to the last possible moment. Just sweet!
I am wrapping up this contest. You can continue to comment on Sin & Shadows but it won’t win you any books.
Hi Ann! I love a new series! Count me in! Thanks
No vampire?? Urban Fantasy?? I want to read it!!!
Add my name to the giveaway hat, please
Oh, definitely asking. My TBR stack seems sparse at the moment, and this looks like something that’s have to go to the top of the stack.
I’d love to win a copy – cool cover art and sounds great!
Dottie :)
Please, I would love to win a copy of Lyn Benedict’s book. I enjoyed your review of her book and I figure if one of my favorite writers likes a book, it must be good!
I’ve heard such great things about this book. && don’t get me wrong, I love me some vampires, but even I need a break once and a while. Please enter me in your fab giveaway.
Thanks so much,
mishtakes AT gmail DOT com
I’d love to win this. Enter me please!